Why Every Small Business Should Get Cybersecurity Advice and Consider Managed IT Services

Running a small business is hard enough without having to worry about cyber threats. But in today’s world, even small businesses are targets for cybercriminals. Here’s why getting professional advice and moving to managed IT services is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, often because they lack the robust defenses of bigger organizations. As an MSP dedicated to helping SMBs thrive securely, we strongly recommend obtaining the SMB1001 cybersecurity certificate—and here’s why.

 

Show Customers You Take Security Seriously

Getting a cybersecurity certificate like the SMB1001 is a simple way to prove to your customers and partners that you care about keeping their information safe. It’s a badge of trust that can set you apart from competitors.

 

Reduce Your Risk of Cyber Attacks

When you work with a managed IT provider, you get access to experts who know how to spot threats early and keep your systems protected. This means fewer headaches, less downtime, and a much lower chance of a costly data breach

 

Build Trust and Win More Business

Customers want to know their data is safe. Showing that you meet industry standards for security can be the deciding factor when someone is choosing between you and another business.

 

Stay Compliant with Laws and Regulations

Many industries now require proof that you’re protecting customer data. A cybersecurity certificate helps you meet these requirements and avoid fines or legal trouble.

 

Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

Cyber incidents can stop your business in its tracks. Managed IT services make sure you have plans in place to recover quickly, so you can keep serving your customers no matter what happens.

 

Save Time, Money, and Stress

With managed services, you get predictable IT costs, proactive support, and expert advice whenever you need it. You and your team can focus on running your business, not fixing IT problems.

 

The Bottom Line:

You don’t have to be a tech expert to keep your business safe. Getting advice from professionals and moving to managed IT services gives you peace of mind, helps you grow, and lets you focus on what you do best. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out for a chat—no obligation, just good advice.

 

According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, a cybercrime is reported every 6 minutes in Australia, and the average cost for small businesses has risen to $56,600 per incident. (Source: ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report 2024–25)

Don’t wait until it’s too late … Get expert IT advice and see how managed services can protect your business now. Contact us today! 

Websites: The Forgotten Attack Vector

Websites: The Forgotten Attack Vector

In September 2023, someone hacked Pizza Hut … Do you think they were after a few free pizzas?  Probably not.  They were looking for client data. So, what’s that got to do with your website?

Websites … the forgotten attack vector

For the moment, lets assume the best scenarios where your website doesn’t even contain client data.

What’s the risk? … 

    • A hacked website might contain code that can compromise a client (or your) computer by executing malicious code in their environment.
    • Cybercriminals take control of your website posting deceptive content which may compromise your integrity
    • Content modifications may redirect clients to inappropriate or competing sites
    • Loss of control of your own website
    • Defacing, deleting, or otherwise ruining the website
    • Using your resources and/or domain name to send illicit emails

Here’s my top 10 tips on how to protect your business by protecting your website …

 

Protection Factor #1: Website Hardening

  • Daily Security scans for infections or component vulnerabilities.
  • Daily backups and historical recovery positions.
  • Web application firewalls and global edge security
  • Regular health checks

 

Protection Factor #2 – Patching & Updates

Plugins, themes & content management core components need to be updated regularly.  No Update Available? … No, this does not mean the plugin is safe. It simply means there’s no update.
Also check that your hosters are updating database engines and scripting technologies behind the scenes.

web security issues and solutions feature 940x588 1

Protection Factor #5 – SSL Certificates are a neccesity, not a nice to have

The little lock icon !  You MUST have this.  Purchase a secure socket layer certificate. This will protect your data, protect your clients and boost your SEO rankings.  Have an expert recommend the right type of certificate for you.

Protection Factor #6 – Smart Passwords + 2 Factor Authentication

Like all passwords, your website passwords must be secure and complex.  Turn on multi-factor authentication where possible.  Change usernames from default or simple forms to something more complex.  Weak usernames can be as much a threat to your security as weak passwords.

W Backup

Protection Factor #9 – Securing submission forms

Structured query language (SQL) injection as well as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)s are techniques used by hackers to compromise your data and your website. Validation of form fields to remove symbols capable of executing queries can limit your exposure to these attack vectors.

WebSecurity forSSLStore 1024x768 1

Protection Factor #3 – Ownership

Don’t leave your site in the wrong hands. Ensure that people who have access and control over your website are knowledgeable and experienced at site protection.  This is often not the case with marketing and designer resources.

Protection Factor #4 – Minimalistic Access Approach

Give people, even internal staff, access only to the parts and components they need.  For example, if they just add and edit content then don’t let them install plugins.  If they only write blogs then don’t let them add new pages.
Apply this theory to ALL data in your business.

goldlock

Protection Factor #7 – Web Application Firewall

Sitting between your website and the world, this additional layer reads all data passed and blocks hack attempts and filters out unwanted traffic like spammers and malicious bots.
This is a critical factor that can, and should, be provided by your hosting layer.

Protection Factor #8 – Secure Web Hosting

Check the security features offered by your hoster … 

  • Does the web host offer a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)? SFTP.
  • Is FTP Use by Unknown User disabled?
  • Does it use a Rootkit Scanner?
  • Does it offer file backup services?
  • How well do they keep up to date on security upgrades?

Protection Factor #10 – Backup Often

Give yourself a fast recovery position.  Determine if onboard backups are sufficient.  You may choose to keep a copy off the main hosting server and in your own hands (recommended).